ST Explains How to vet renovation contractors and what to look out for

Choose accredited companies, conduct research and insist on a written contract

- Isabelle Liew

When renovation contractors ask for large amounts in deposits, some home owners may not bat an eyelid.

But it is often a tricky situation to navigate when things go awry, such as in the case of an owner of a Novena penthouse, who paid a deposit of more than $152,000 to renovate his home, only for it to be left in a wrecked state since July.

The contractor from the company Renosaves Project is nowhere to be found. He had promised to install a marble feature wall and chandelier, among other things, but left the more than 3,000 sq ft unit in a mess, with construction material piled up in the rooms and wires dangling from the walls.

More than 10 home owners who engaged Renosaves Project, and were similarly left in the lurch, have contacted The Straits Times since the report in November.

They have lost amounts ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 since 2022, and several have lodged police reports and filed claims with the Small Claims Tribunals.

Contractors were among the top three industries with consumer complaints from 2021 to 2023, according to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

Here are some tips on how to remain vigilant when you are looking for a renovation contractor:

1. ENGAGE ACCREDITED CONTRACTORS

Case president Melvin Yong advised consumers planning home renovations to engage CaseTrust-accredited renovation contractors.

"CaseTrust-accredited renovation companies are required to adopt the CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract, which clearly outlines work and payment schedules and service warranty, and provides transparent pricing," he said.

Contractors that are CaseTrust-accredited have to keep initial deposits capped at a maximum of 20 per cent of the total cost, and payments are collected in phases upon agreed milestones.